One year ago, the military seized control of Myanmar, just as a new session of Parliament was about to begin. The military commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing, seized power. Since the coup, former democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained, along with other members of her party, and they are being held in unknown locations.
What has happened since?
Protests are still ongoing, and nearly 1,500 people have died in demonstrations. A further 11,000 people have been arrested.
In August last year, military leader Min Aung Hlaing self-appointed himself Myanmar’s Prime Minister. He has since pledged to hold elections next year.
Jail sentences
In December last year, Suu Kyi was found guilty of incitement and breaching COVID-19 restrictions in the first of several trials. Initially, she was sentenced to four years in jail, however, the sentence was reduced to two years. In January this year, she was found guilty again and sentenced to an additional four years in jail.
In the lead up to the one year anniversary, the military banned honking car horns or banging pots and pans. Individuals who are caught doing so could be charged with treason or under an anti-terror law.
